By Fatima Saka
The 63rd Ordinary National Council of Health has sought to address and improve health issues that are a major constraint to the environment and a priority to the Nigeria government.
This was made known on Monday in Abuja at the ongoing 63rd NCH,organized by the Federal Ministry of Health, Stakeholders meetings on health in Nigeria.
With the theme: “Building a Resilient and Sustainable Health System for Improved Health Outcome and Universal Health Coverage.”
The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health, Dr. Mahmuda Mamman said that the intention of 63rd NCH alongside its theme of this year is to ensure universal health coverage across the nation.
Dr . Mamman disclosed that NCH is an avenue for dialogue to deliberate with state representatives and strategize on ways and means of achieving universal health coverage in Nigeria.
“Our objective is to see how we can be able to strengthen primary health care because by strengthening the primary health care structure in Nigeria, universal health coverage will be attained with a minimal cost at all levels of government.
“The responsibility at this juncture is to make the policies, but when it comes to the implementation segment, it cuts across all the segments, the federal districts, the states and the local government. At the federal level is implementation 100%.
“After this council. We assure Nigerians that the health sector is going to be strengthened. Th universal health coverage will ensure that no one is left behind in attaining the health sector,” he stated.
In his welcomed address, Sir. Adesola Olusade. Permanent Secretary FCTA, said that the government must make deliberate efforts to put in place policy and actions that will bring development to the nation.
Olusade emphasized that the 63rd NCH is about deliberating on concrete issues that will develop Nigeria. Adding that this year’s theme is an extension of stakeholders’ commitment towards building a strong health system that will ensure positive health outcomes and attend to universal health care.
“The FCT administration is making research into the entire ecosystem in building an effective health system that will guarantee positive health outside and attending universal health care in FCT.
” Calling the participants to put in their best and come up with solutions to build a Resilient and Sustainable Health System that brings positive outcomes to the society,” he said.
Also, in her goodwill messages, Dr. Waiter Kazardi WHO country representative, represented by Dr. Mike Okamura said the SDGs goals which are in line with the theme “Building a Resilient and Sustainable Health System for Improved Health Outcome and Universal Health Coverage” is by supporting policies, promoting health care systems and preventing disease at all costs.
“The deliberation of the NCH on these key areas including vaccines in digital health, universal health care system, and climate change. She added.
In her keynote speech, Dr. Minnie Oseji, Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Environment, Delta State said that climate change and health is a global phenomenon caused by the release of
greenhouse gasses (GHGS) such as carbon dioxide (CO2) into the
atmosphere due to anthropogenic activities which include
deforestation, burning of fossil fuel to power homes, engines and
industries among others leading to global warming.
“The socio- economic impact and consequences of climate change
include increased risk and uncertainty in agriculture production which leads to food insecurity, flooding, heat-related mortality
and morbidity and respiratory diseases.
However, Dr. Oseji emphasized that the resolution of the 63rd NCH should be implemented step by step, not just by mere meetings. Whatever agreement the National Council on health made should be implemented.
